About the Recipe
Whenever exam week rolls around in college, I find myself seeking solace in the simple act of baking. There's something incredibly soothing about the rhythmic process of kneading dough, especially when it yields such comforting results like these Milk and Honey Dinner Rolls. As I mix together the ingredients, the scent of warm milk and honey fills the kitchen, instantly calming my frazzled nerves. It's a ritual I've come to cherish, a brief escape from the pressures of academia.
One crucial tip I've learned over the years is to be mindful of the milk temperature. Too hot, and it risks destroying the delicate balance of yeast, resulting in flat, dense rolls. So, I always take care to heat the milk just enough to be warm to the touch, ensuring that the yeast activates and the dough rises beautifully. It's a small detail, but one that makes all the difference in the final outcome.
Nowadays, as a parent, I find myself passing down this cherished recipe to my own children. Sunday dinners are a special time for us, a moment to gather around the table and share not just food, but stories and laughter. These Milk and Honey Dinner Rolls have become a staple, their fluffy texture and gentle sweetness a reminder of the warmth and love that fills our home. As I watch my kids eagerly tear into these rolls, their faces lighting up with delight, I'm reminded once again of the simple joys found in the kitchen and the power of food to nourish both body and soul.
Ingredients
5 tablespoons unsalted butter melted, divided
4 ½ teaspoons active dry yeast (2 packets)
1 ¼ cup warm milk (110 -115 degrees F)
¼ cup honey
4 cups all-purpose flour divided
1 ½ teaspoons kosher salt
Preparation
Step 1
Begin by preheating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Meanwhile, take a 9-inch by 13-inch baking dish and lightly brush it with 1 tablespoon of melted butter. Place the dish on the stovetop to keep the butter warm.
Step 2
In the bowl of a stand mixer equipped with the dough hook attachment, combine the yeast, milk, and honey. Stir the mixture gently to aid in dissolving the yeast. Allow it to rest for 3 minutes to activate the yeast.
Step 3
Pour in 3 tablespoons of melted butter and 3 1/2 cups of flour into the mixer bowl. Mix on low speed until the dough becomes smooth. If necessary, gradually add up to 1/2 cup of the remaining flour to achieve a soft dough consistency.
Step 4
Incorporate the salt into the dough and continue mixing for 3 minutes at medium speed. The dough should form a cohesive ball with a slightly sticky texture.
Step 5
Transfer the dough onto a lightly floured surface. Shape it into a ball and divide it into 12 equal pieces, eyeballing the sizes.
Step 6
Take each portion of dough and shape it into a roll by pinching the sides together at the center until the outer surface is round. Flip the roll over so the smooth side is facing up, then place it into the prepared baking pan with the pinched side facing down. Repeat this process with the remaining dough pieces, allowing them to touch if necessary.
Step 7
Bake the rolls in the preheated oven for 15 to 17 minutes, or until they turn golden brown on top. If the tops brown too quickly, cover the rolls loosely with foil during baking.
Step 8
Once baked, carefully remove the rolls from the oven and brush them with the remaining 1 tablespoon of melted butter. Serve the rolls warm or at room temperature, and store any leftovers in an airtight container.